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Refractory Sales Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ... sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2025. We offer a wide variety of job profiles in a dynamic, supportive ...

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator

Troy, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ... sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2025. We offer a wide variety of job profiles in a dynamic, supportive ...

Oerlikon

Furnace Operator

Plymouth, MI · On-site

$16.25 - $20/hr

Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory ... sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2024. Equal Opportunity Employment Oerlikon is an Equal Opportunity ...

Carmeuse

Maintenance Supervisor

Cedarville, MI · On-site

Ensure the execution of the daily maintenance plan to meet sales and production needs while ... refractory, heavy equipment fabrication, stone processing, cement plants industries preferred

All JobsRefractory Sales JobsRefractory Sales Jobs in Michigan

Refractory Sales information

See Michigan salary details

$11

$22

$37

How much do refractory sales jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for refractory sales in Michigan is $22.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.65 and $25.77 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is refractory sales?

Refractory sales involve the marketing and selling of refractory materials, which are heat-resistant products used to line high-temperature furnaces, kilns, reactors, and other processing units. Professionals in this field work with industries like steel, cement, glass, and petrochemicals to provide solutions that withstand extreme heat and harsh environments. The job typically includes identifying customer needs, recommending suitable products, preparing quotations, and ensuring customer satisfaction throughout the sales process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a refractory sales professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Refractory Sales professional, you need proficiency in industrial sales, deep knowledge of refractory products, and typically a background in engineering or materials science. Familiarity with CRM software, technical data sheets, and industry-specific standards is often required. Strong communication, negotiation abilities, and relationship-building skills are vital for understanding client needs and closing deals. These competencies ensure you can effectively match technical solutions to customer requirements, drive sales growth, and build lasting partnerships in a specialized market.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in refractory sales, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Refractory Sales often encounter challenges such as navigating highly technical product specifications, managing long sales cycles, and building trust with clients in heavy industries like steel or foundries. To address these, it's important to continuously update your technical knowledge, develop strong communication skills to translate complex solutions into client benefits, and foster relationships through regular site visits and responsive support. Collaborating closely with engineering and technical teams can also help tailor solutions that meet client needs, enhancing your credibility and effectiveness in the role.

What is the difference between Refractory Sales vs Refractory Technician?

AspectRefractory SalesRefractory Technician
Required CredentialsSales certifications, industry knowledgeTechnical certifications, safety training
Work EnvironmentOffice, client sites, trade showsFactories, construction sites, plants
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers, suppliers, distributorsManufacturers, plants, construction companies
Common Search & ComparisonCustomer engagement, product knowledgeInstallation, maintenance, troubleshooting

Refractory Sales professionals focus on selling refractory products and building client relationships, often working in office and client environments. Refractory Technicians are hands-on workers responsible for installing and maintaining refractory materials in industrial settings. While both roles require industry knowledge, their daily tasks and work environments differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Refractory Sales jobs in Michigan?

For Refractory Sales jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Refractory Sales jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Refractory Sales jobs in Michigan are:

Refractory Sales jobs near you
Infographic showing various Refractory Sales job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,742 per year, or $23 per hour.

Furnace Operator

Troy, MI • On-site

Oerlikon
See more jobs at Oerlikonexternal

$16.25 - $20/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Furnace Operator
We are looking for a Furnace Operator for our Troy, MI facility. In this role you will safely prepare, melt, and atomize metal powder following job instructions. This will include loading the furnace with raw materials, purging down with inert gas, power-up, taking temperatures, inspecting, and pouring the molten metal from a hydraulically positioned induction furnace. Support activities associated with position include preparation and maintenance of the refractory furnace lining, maintenance of accurate production records, delivery of atomized product to the screening area, and cleaning the furnace and atomization system between alloys.
We offer:
Aside from a dynamic global culture and leading market position, we are proud to offer our employees development opportunities, competitive salary and a robust benefit program ALL available on first day of employment!
The perks and benefits of working at Oerlikon include the following:
  • Comprehensive medical and prescription drug plan with low premiums, company sponsored HSA contributions and without cumbersome waiting periods to keep you going strong.
  • Excellent Dental and Vision coverage.
  • Employee Assistance, Financial and Wellness programs to help improve all aspects of your life journey.
  • 401(k) retirement savings plan with significant company match and financial planning and education options to help you achieve your retirement goals
  • Tuition reimbursement and internal education resources to satisfy your love of learning so you can continue to grow with us!
  • Generous paid time off to support your physical and mental wellbeing.
  • 12 paid company holidays to occasionally extend your weekends or time off.
  • 100% company paid life insurance and disability insurance
  • Employee Referral Bonus program because why not to bring your friends to work every day!

Your Responsibilities:
  • Meet or exceed all safety, environmental, and health goals for department
  • Meet or exceed quality goals and productivity targets for production orders
  • Contribute to continual improvement activities
  • Operation and monitoring of induction melting equipment used for the gas atomization of nickel and cobalt based alloys.
  • Responsible for preparation and maintenance of refractory furnace lining while maintaining a constant awareness of the condition of the refractory lining
  • Measure, weigh, and combine raw materials based on specific instructions
  • Clean the furnace and atomization tank between alloys
  • Perform routine maintenance and support activities (e.g. replacement of power leads, disassembly of atomization tank, installation of gas delivery system)
  • Utilize process parameters specified in the job traveler
  • Ensure accurate records are maintained of heats poured noting characteristics such as start and stop time, gas pressures, temperatures, and melt characteristics
  • Performs other duties as required.

Your Profile:
  • Basic math skills, organization ability, and mechanical knowledge
  • Ability to perform physical tasks, i.e. lifting, bending, standing, etc.
  • Ability to safely operate cranes and powered industrial vehicles preferred
  • Proficient in Mathematics (Decimals, Fractions, Percentages, Weighted Averages)
  • Strong customer focus - internal and external.
  • Strong organizational and communication skills.
  • Ability to 12- hour shifts

Why Oerlikon:
Team Spirit is one of our core values. Collaborating across borders, languages and cultures is key to us delivering results. Supporting our people's growth and development is a top priority. We believe in the creative power of a team that draws strength from welcoming a broad expanse of knowledge, experience and perspectives.
#joinoerlikonus#joinourteam
Are you curious? Then release your passion to succeed and APPLY to discover how you can help us build a better world and realize how you can make a personal difference by joining our global team! Our commitment is your success!
About Oerlikon
Oerlikon is a global leader in surface technologies and advanced materials. With a unique portfolio spanning surface engineering, high-performance materials, coating equipment and components, we make products better by enhancing performance, efficiency and sustainability. Oerlikon serves a wide range of industries, including aerospace, automotive, energy, medical, luxury, semiconductors and tooling. Head-quartered in Pfäffikon, Switzerland, Oerlikon operates in 38 countries with around 10,000 employees, achieving sales of CHF 1.6 billion in 2025.
We offer a wide variety of job profiles in a dynamic, supportive environment where people are empowered to grow and reach their full potential - guided by our core values of integrity, team spirit, excellence and innovation.
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www.oerlikon.com
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